Broncos LB Joe Mays suspended one game

DENVER (AP) - Broncos linebackerJoe Maysreceived a one-game suspension and a $50,000 fine from the NFL for the hit that dislodged Texans quarterbackMatt Schaub's helmet and took off a piece of his ear.

Mays will appeal the fine and suspension, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Broncos hadn't yet notified the NFL of the decision. According to NFL rules, the appeal will be heard and decided before Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

Mays drew a roughing-the-passer penalty for the third-quarter hit on Schaub, who left the field with blood flowing from his ear and missed one play before returning. Schaub threw for four touchdowns in Houston's 31-25 win.

If he loses the appeal, Mays wouldn't be able to practice with the Broncos this week or be at the team's headquarters. Mays would be reinstated next Monday.

When asked after the game if he expected to be fined, Mays said: "Oh yeah. I'm expecting that. But it was not my intention to do that."

Coach John Fox said Mays was not trying to intentionally hurt Schaub.

"That's notJoe Mays, that's not what we teach," Fox said. "It's accidental, playing football. You see it around the league every week."

The Broncos are already missing starting linebackerD.J. Williams, who is serving a six-game suspension for violating the league's banned-substance policy.BackuplinebackerNate Irvingsuffered a concussion in Sunday's game, and on Monday, Fox said he was "day-to-day."